Council Tax Maximisation (1)

Jennette Arnold: What are the “ethical collection measures” noted in MD2618?

The Mayor: London boroughs working with their external contractors and stakeholders have been introducing more ethical debt collection measures in relation to council tax in recent years. This also extends to the collection of other local authority revenues such as council rents and business rates due from SMEs.
The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and Local Government Association have developed a protocol around ethical debt collection which a number of London boroughs have now signed (see https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/cymraeg/about-us/our-campaigns/all-our-current-campaigns/council-tax-protocol/)
For council tax specifically examples of ethical collection measures include:

Council Tax Maximisation (2)

Jennette Arnold: Will boroughs involved in your council tax maximisation effort as noted in MD2618 be barred from using bailiffs to target low-income council tax payers in arrears?

The Mayor: More than two thirds of London boroughs have taken advantage of the GLA’s funding offer approved in MD2618 to assist them with managing their existing council tax arrears. All 33 authorities will be receiving funding to support their property inspection and other revenue maximisation work which focuses on ensuring both the accuracy of the council tax and business rates valuation list and that residents and businesses are claiming those reliefs and discounts to which they are entitled.
The GLA actively encourages London boroughs to adopt ethical collection measures through these projects and the funding provided. We are also encouraging more boroughs to sign up to the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and Local Government Association’s protocol on ethical debt collection in respect of council tax.
This includes a complete ban on the use of enforcement agents (bailiffs) to recover debts owed by vulnerable households and individuals including those on low incomes and in receipt of or considered eligible for council tax support. Should any boroughs not comply with this approach we would consider reviewing and withdrawing this funding.
It should be noted however that the funding support the GLA provides allows London boroughs to invest more resources in ethical debt collection measures and practices and thus make improvements to their systems and processes as well as allowing them to offer additional welfare advice and support for vulnerable households.

Royal British Legion (1)

Tony Devenish: In their ‘Plan for London’, the Royal British Legion have called for vulnerabilities such as loneliness and social isolation to be included in your Health Inequalities Strategy. Is this something you would consider, to better support the Armed Forces community?

The Mayor: Thank you for raising this publication with me. I recognise that loneliness and social isolation are important issues for Londoners of all ages and can have a considerable impact on Londoners’ health. The issue is in sharp focus in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The challenges for different ages are recognised in both my Social Integration and Health Inequalities Strategies, with interventions such as community sport, cultural activity and social prescribing playing a vital role in supporting community connections. In particular, addressing loneliness and social isolation through social prescribing was the focus of a small grants programme I ran last year. There is always more to do however, and I have asked my Health Team to consider this in the context of the armed forces and what it might mean for the Health Inequalities Strategy.

Joint review into cost of living for NHS staff

Onkar Sahota: Will you publish the findings into the joint review of NHS staff cost of living in London noted in your response to my question 2020/1411?

The Mayor: This is not my review to publish. My previous answer to question 2020/1411 set out the partners who have produced the review. I understand that the findings will inform the work of the London People Board. The review was conducted by Health Education England and supported by Healthy London Partnership. I will ask that Health Team officers look into what can be shared and make that available to you.

GLA support for NHS demographic modelling

Onkar Sahota: In response to my question 2020/1413, you said that you would offer Sir David Sloman the GLA’s expertise in demographics so as to support NHS workforce requirements. Has the NHS taken up this offer?

The Mayor: My recent meetings with Sir David Sloman have been focused on the immediate response to the Covid-19 pandemic. As London begins to plan out our response to recovery, there will be more opportunity to address longer term workforce issues. Sir David has informed me that the London People Board is being established and I am pleased to confirm that Jazz Bhogal, Assistant Director, Health Education and Youth will represent the GLA on the Board. Jazz will be ensuring that the GLA is supporting the NHS wherever possible. Jazz and Sir David will keep me informed of progress.

London Health Board Living Wage payers

Onkar Sahota: How many of the organisations represented at the London Health Board pay all in-house and contracted staff at least the London Living Wage, and how many do not?

The Mayor: We do not currently hold this information. Along with the GLA, many London boroughs and NHS trusts are paying the London Living Wage and, as you know, I strongly encourage all employers in London to do so. Accredited organisations are listed on the Living Wage Foundation’s website.

London People Board

Onkar Sahota: What representation does the GLA have on the London People Board?

The Mayor: I understand that the London People Board has just been established and met for the first time on 8 June. Jazz Bhogal, Assistant Director, Health, Education and Youth has accepted the invitation to join the board and represents the GLA.

London Health Board sick pay rates

Onkar Sahota: How many of the organisations represented at the London Health Board utilise workers either directly employed or contracted eligible for only Statutory Sick Pay?

The Mayor: We do not currently hold this information. I would be happy to request this information from board members and invite them to send you their response.

Green recovery (3)

Leonie Cooper: Do you agree with me that bailouts for airlines operating in London should come with attached conditions protecting workers and committing to carbon reduction?

The Mayor: Yes, I agree. I have made a commitment for London to become a zero-carbon city. All sectors must play a part in tackling the climate emergency including aviation.
The Government has committed to reducing the UK’s carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 and I echo the Committee on Climate Change’s principle that the Government must ensure the recovery does not lock-in or increase greenhouse gas emissions and has the opportunity to drive concerted action.
However, airlines are not unique. All carbon intensive businesses should be facing up to their environmental obligations and providing a credible route map for how they’re going to decarbonise.
Through my ongoing support for the good work standard and support for a just transition I am committed to making sure all workers get a fair deal, and I expect the government to have similar requirements as part of any bailout conditions for airlines and other industries.

Green recovery (4)

Leonie Cooper: With the news that car production has fallen to the lowest levels since WW2, are you lobbying the Government to take this opportunity to transfer workers to low-carbon, well-paid jobs for a green economic recovery and to help meet your target for London to be net zero-carbon by 2030?

The Mayor: Yes, I am. Last week I wrote to the Business Secretary to emphasise that Government must take every step to ensure the recovery is green. A national fund that helps people replace or retrofit polluting vehicles would reduce emissions and support more than 820,000 jobs in the UK automotive industry. I don’t want a car-based recovery for London for climate and air quality reasons. Where we do need road vehicles they must be zero emission. I have called for a scrappage scheme that helps motorists switch to zero emission vehicles.
The industry must switch to manufacturing zero emission vehicles, and Government must support the transition of workers to low-carbon, well-paid jobs contributing to the green recovery and tackling the climate emergency. We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to change our economy and support the technologies that will support our economic growth while supporting better outcomes for air quality and tackling climate change.

Workplace parking spaces

Murad Qureshi: How many potential workplace parking spaces do we have for the whole of Greater London, broken down for each London borough?

The Mayor: The number of workplace parking spaces has not been recorded at a London-wide level. However, it is possible to make comparisons between boroughs regarding the likely level of workplace parking through the use of other datasets. These include the 2011 census travel to work data, which provides information on the number of people commuting by car to workplaces in each borough.
This suggests around 740,000 people regularly drive to work in London. This varies across boroughs with fewer than 9,000 people driving to work in Kensington & Chelsea and as many as 50,000 who work in Hillingdon. It should however be noted that not all will park at work or travel on the same day, and not all workplace parking will be used, but this generally indicates the scale of parking availability in different parts of London.

Access to Green Spaces for People Shielding

Navin Shah: A constituent has contacted me regarding access to parks and green spaces for those shielding. They are concerned that those who need to shield could suffer from physical and mental health issues. They ask whether the Mayor has provided any advice to local councils or other bodies in charge of green spaces, on whether it is feasible to introduce hours in parks restricted only to those who are shielding. Has this been considered?

The Mayor: Whilst separate opening hours for those who are shielding has not been proposed, I am committed to continuing to work with boroughs and other parks services to help keep London’s parks open for those that need them most. This includes asking Londoners to show consideration for those who don’t have gardens and may have a greater need to access green spaces. Please see: https://www.london.gov.uk/coronavirus/social-distancing-guidance/london-...
Not all of London’s parks and green spaces can be locked or easily managed to enable access restrictions. Managing admissions would also present financial and resourcing challenges.

NHS reconfigurations

Onkar Sahota: Are you still committed to making your support for NHS service reconfigurations conditional on proper consultation with the public and all stakeholders taking place?

The Mayor: I am committed to working with partners to ensure that London is the best global city in which to receive health and care services, and as such, I will continue to champion and challenge the NHS to achieve this outcome, including through the application of my six tests. While I understand the need to move at pace during the pandemic to stop the spread of coronavirus and save lives, this won’t stop me from challenging the NHS, particularly as we move to the next stage of coping with this deadly virus.
I am still committed to applying my six tests to all major health and care transformation proposals in London, and I expect my six tests, which include patient and public engagement, to be met before I offer my support.

Reopening public toilets after coronavirus

Onkar Sahota: As more people are able to meet outside and the summer weather encourages them to do so, what actions are you and boroughs taking to protect London’s parks and streets from the inevitable consequences of this happening without public toilets being available?

The Mayor: I understand Londoners’ concerns regarding access to public toilets, especially as social activity is increasingly moving outside. Where toilets are available for public use in green spaces these are managed by the agencies responsible for those spaces. Decisions on provision, how these are managed and whether it is safe to keep them open is a matter for site managers – boroughs and their agents, Royal Parks, City of London etc. Most of these site managers want to open toilets where it is safe for the public and staff. However, it will be particularly difficult to operate and keep these spaces clean while complying with national guidance on social distancing. They are undertaking risk assessments and exploring how they can open them again safely.

People shielding in London

Onkar Sahota: How many people in London are shielding and what support is the GLA offering them?

The Mayor: There are 322,820 patients on the shielding patient list in London, this represents 3.6% of the London population[1].
Central government has established a support service for people who are shielding, including the delivery of essential groceries and medicines. A significant proportion of the support for shielding populations is also delivered through the health and social care functions within local government.
Through pan-London partnerships, we are supporting the London Food Board, who are working hard to ensure food resilience, and supporting a pan-London needs assessment for vulnerable groups and communities to identify what their ongoing needs are during this next phase.
[1] NHS Digital (2020) Shield Patient List Open Data Set (last accessed 15/06/2020)

Coronavirus testing capacity in London

Onkar Sahota: What was coronavirus testing capacity in London for each week from the beginning of April [2020] onwards, and how many people in London took a test in each week?

The Mayor: Coronavirus testing capacity in London is delivered under different strands of the Government’s national strategy by the NHS, PHE and DHSE. The data on testing capacity and the number of tests is not published with data for the London region level across the strands of activity. I have asked NHS London, PHE London and the DHSC to work together to provide a London region dataset.
The GLA’s City Intelligence Unit maintain information about the number of cases identified through Pillar 1 testing of those with medical need and some key workers (based on the data published by Public Health England) as well as the number of deaths reported in London hospitals of patients who had tested positive for COVID-19.
This information is available on the London Datastore at the following links:
https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/coronavirus--covid-19--cases
https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/coronavirus--covid-19--deaths

Unsafe plans for a return to Parliament

Onkar Sahota: Are you concerned that plans for MPs to return to Westminster risk exposing Londoners to coronavirus, as the Parliamentary estate and practices cannot be made Covid-secure and personnel will be required to travel into London from other regions?

The Mayor: As part of the Government’s “Staying Alert and Safe” message, the Prime Minister has explicitly asked people to go to work only if they cannot work from home. The plans for MPs to return to Westminster directly contradicts this advice. As Mayor of London, I have been able to continue in my role remotely, including attending COBR and will continue to do so until it is the right time for me to return to City Hall.
The directive to return to Westminster will affect a wider group of employees, including cleaning and security staff. Analysis undertaken by the Office for National Statistics highlights that 32 per cent of security guards are from Black, Asian and minority ethnicity[1], a population group we know already has a higher risk of severe complications from COVID-19.
[1] Office for National Statistics (2020) Which occupations have the highest potential exposure to the coronavirus (COVID-19)? (last accessed 15/06/20)

Edmonton Eco Park

Tony Arbour: Does the Mayor support the new incinerator at the Edmonton Eco Park in Enfield?

The Mayor: The Edmonton replacement incineration facility was approved by the Secretary of State in February 2017 and supported by my predecessor. An attempt for a judicial review on the Government’s decision was unsuccessful in November of last year. The time period for bringing a statutory challenge to the development consent order has expired. I am focused on making sure that this facility, and London’s three other incinerators, SELCHP (Lewisham), Belvedere (Bexley) and Beddington (Sutton), manage truly non-recyclable waste, maximise use of both the heat and electricity generated, and operate to the most stringent air quality standards possible.
I believe that London does not need any further waste incinerator capacity to manage the city’s non-recyclable waste. I have submitted a legal challenge to judicially review the government’s decision to grant a development consent order for a new waste incinerator in Bexley. I have been clear that London is facing a climate emergency and does not need more waste incinerators.

Air Quality

Tony Arbour: Could the Mayor provide the latest London Average Air Quality Levels data set?

The Mayor: London’s air quality monitoring stations are operated and funded by the London boroughs, Transport for London and airports and the data is made publicly available. The latest annual averages were published in February 2020: https://www.london.gov.uk/WHAT-WE-DO/environment/environment-publications/air-pollution-monitoring-data-london-2016-2020.
The report revealed that since I became Mayor there have been significant reductions in Londoner’s long-term exposure to air pollution, with every monitoring site in the capital recording a reduction in annual average nitrogen dioxide levels. Londonwide, there has been an average reduction of 21 per cent between 2016 and 2019, with reductions as high as 50 per cent at locations such as Putney High Street where the first Low Emission Bus Zone was introduced.
We have also seen additional improvements in air quality during the coronavirus lockdown as traffic fell to around half pre-lockdown levels. In 2020, before measures to address the COVID outbreak were introduced, hourly average levels of harmful gas nitrogen dioxide NO2 at all monitoring sites in central London had already reduced by more than a third (35 per cent) compared to the same period in 2017. During the lockdown period there has been an additional reduction of 27 per cent. : https://www.london.gov.uk/WHAT-WE-DO/environment/environment-publications/estimation-changes-air-pollution-during-covid-19-outbreak-0

Childhood Obesity Taskforce

Andrew Boff: What measures has your childhood obesity taskforce taken in response to the Covid-19 pandemic?

The Mayor: It is clear that the Covid-19 lockdown has the potential to impact on the whole of children’s mental and physical health and wellbeing. This includes families’ ability to maintain a healthy weight through access to healthier food options, good hydration and physical activity. As the Prime Minister has now recognised, obesity is a risk factor for a number of health conditions including the severity of symptoms being experienced from Covid-19. This means its more crucial than ever that we act early to support London’s children to maintain a healthy weight now, so that we reduce their risk of becoming obese adults. It is positive that Government appears to have had a change of heart with regard to their role in addressing the UK's high rate of overweight and obesity.
The Taskforce are therefore working to understand this impact on London’s children by collaborating with partners and other global cities to develop insights into the reality of children’s lives during this period. This will inform how their recommendations, set out in Every Child a Healthy Weight can be delivered through whole system action by partners in London in this changing context.
In the immediate term, the Taskforce continue to champion the work underway by boroughs and voluntary sector partners and to work closely with the London Food Board in ensuring food reaches the most vulnerable families.

Trees (1)

Andrew Boff: What work are you doing to ensure that trees are protected as much as possible in London, particularly in regard to the city's ecological and biodiversity needs?

The Mayor: In my London Environment Strategy, I set a target to increase the area of London under tree canopy by 10 per cent of the current level by 2050. Protecting our existing trees and woodlands, as well as planting new ones, will be essential to meeting this aim.
My new London Plan outlines strong protections for trees and woodlands. This includes protecting trees of high biodiversity value such as ‘veteran’ trees and ancient woodland. The policy also requires development proposals to ensure that, wherever possible, existing trees of value are retained, and any trees that are removed are adequately replaced with trees of equivalent or greater value.
I am also working with the Forestry Commission and other members of the London Urban Forest Partnership on a London Urban Forest Plan. This will set out priority actions that the partnership will take for the capital’s trees and woodlands including improving their protection and management.

Consultation on lockdown changes

Onkar Sahota: What consultation or other engagement was done with PHE London and the GLA over steps towards easing lockdown measures?

The Mayor: Unfortunately, I do not feel that the Government has done enough to consult with the GLA or PHE London during the development of policy relating to lockdown measures. This is the context of London experiencing the peak of the pandemic to a greater extent and earlier than other regions in England.
As Mayor of London, it took considerable pressure from me to be included in COBR meetings. I have written directly to Ministers on a number of policy issues that impact Londoners, including wearing face coverings in public (which we now have national guidance on). I have publicly expressed my concern regarding the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on BAME communities.
Through the partnerships we have established in London to support the response, such as the Strategic Co-ordination Group (SCG) we have developed clear messages and tailored approaches for London where the Government have failed to provide clarity and direction.

Heatwaves

Leonie Cooper: As we approach summer, how are you preparing to mitigate the impact of any heatwaves and ensure London’s water supply to reduce the strain on the NHS at this crucial time?

The Mayor: I will keep Londoners informed during extreme heat events by sharing messaging at public locations across London.
I am working with Thames Water and the other water companies that supply London to ensure they have plans in place to meet short term spikes in water demand during a heatwave, as well as ensuring their long-term plans for water resources consider the climate emergency and London’s needs in future. Reservoir levels remain stable for this summer, following a very wet winter. However, it is important that the public respond to water company messaging to use water efficiently during any heat wave this summer, to reduce pressure on the water treatment and distribution network.
My officers will work with Thames Water to safely reopen the fountains in due course, taking advice from Public Health England.
I have piloted an assessment of overheating risk in care homes.
And, I have commissioned guidance for schools and Early Years settings on how to adapt to London’s changing climate including heatwaves and creating more resilient water supplies which will improve London’s resilience in the longer term.
I am piloting a tool to enable developers to assess the risk of new developments on intensifying the urban heat island and potential impacts.
The London Resilience Forum also ensures London is prepared for extreme heat. London’s response is led by Public Health England who have developed specific guidance on how to address extreme heat in the context of the ongoing pandemic, in addition to procedures set out in the Heatwave Plan for England.

Crowding in green spaces

Leonie Cooper: What more can and should be done to aid social distancing in London’s green spaces, in line with your work to aid social distancing on public transport,streets and pavements?

The Mayor: The responsibility for the day to day management of most of London’s parks and green spaces lies with the boroughs, the City of London corporation and organisations such as the Royal Parks.
These organisations have been working exceptionally hard to keep these vitally important spaces open for the health and wellbeing of Londoners. They are best placed to make decisions on the appropriate measures to help maintain social distancing, based on their local knowledge of the spaces they manage.
Examples included closing play areas, introducing entry and exit systems where this is practical, and in some locations, taping off benches in busy locations to prevent the spread of Covid-19 through physical contact.
Park managers continue to review the situation based on the latest advice from government, and will only reopen some facilities, such as outdoor gyms, when they consider it safe to do so.
Guidance on using parks in London, including maintaining social distancing, is covered in guidance I’ve produced with London Councils and other park management organisations and is available on the GLA website - https://www.london.gov.uk/coronavirus/social-distancing-guidance/london-parks-and-green-spaces-covid-19-guidance

Harwood Terrace (1)

Tony Devenish: One of my constituents asks: You are committed to improving air quality in London, how are you working to prevent decisions by particular Boroughs that significantly damage the air quality for residents?

The Mayor: Through the Town and Country Planning (Mayor of London) Order 2008, I hold the power to grant and prevent decisions on applications of potential strategic importance (PSI) to London. For proposals that do not fit the PSI criteria, I do not hold powers to intervene and decisions are the responsibility of the local planning authority.
For road closures, Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO) under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 are used. TROs are determined by the appropriate Traffic Authority. For the vast majority of roads in London this is the local authority rather than the GLA or TfL.
For decisions where I do not have direct powers, policies and guidance are used. My London Local Air Quality Management (LLAQM) framework is the statutory processusedbylocal authoritiesto review and improveair quality within theirareas. This ensures boroughs are taking ambitious action, which is properly co-ordinated at the regional level, and which supports Mayoral objectives including those set out in the London Environment Strategy. The GLA also provides guidance documents to boroughs reflecting the latest research, policies, and priorities. These policies and guidance help to ensure Boroughs make decisions that improve air quality within their areas.
In addition, the GLA and TfL regularly feed into statutory and other consultations for borough schemes, working to ensure schemes are in conformity with the objectives set out in the Mayor’s Transport Strategy and London Environment Strategy.

Harwood Terrace (2)

Tony Devenish: My constituent refers to the hugely unpopular decision by Hammersmith & Fulham Council to close Harwood Terrace to cars, even though doing so has significantly increased traffic and pollution on Imperial Road, Bagley's Lane and Wandsworth Bridge Road. What can you do to persuade the council to reverse course?

The Mayor: The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (LBHF) is the traffic authority for Harwood Terrace. As a result, any proposals regarding its closure are determined by LBHF rather than the GLA or TfL.
LBHF have introduced this scheme for a six-month trial period after which they will ask residents for feedback before deciding whether to make these changes permanent. I would encourage your constituent to submit their views as part of this process.
Through the 'Healthy Streets' Approach I have set out in my Transport Strategy, I support boroughs promoting road closures where these enable more walking and cycling and to help residents see and use their streets differently. This is even more important in the current context where enabling safe distancing and encouraging more walking and cycling are critical steps to managing the Covid-19 pandemic.

Royal British Legion (3)

Tony Devenish: What work does ‘Thrive LDN’ currently carry out with the Armed Forces community?

The Mayor: Thrive LDN is a citywide movement to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all Londoners and has been asked to coordinate the public mental health response on behalf of Public Health England’s Office for London. They do not currently have any programmes of work with the Armed Forces community.
Programmes of work led by NHS England exist that address the mental health of people who have served in the Armed Forces. These are evidence-based interventions and approaches for addressing health inequalities. They include work with individuals with complex mental health needs and targeted support for the families of armed forces veterans.
Expanding support to veterans and their families was a priority in the NHS Long Term Plan.

CS9 on King Street (1)

Tony Devenish: With regard to King Street in Hammersmith, do you recognise that if CS9 is built, cars will not be able to pass by buses which have stopped at the bus stop about 150 yards up from the Broadway?

The Mayor: The proposed bus stop referred to is 41 metres long, which would cater for three buses at one time, and has been proposed as a lay-by or inset bus stop. This arrangement allows three metres of remaining adjacent carriageway width, which would enable vehicles to pass waiting buses.

Secure cycle parking facilities in London

Caroline Pidgeon: With the growth in cycling and the purchase of bicycles in recent weeks and further measures that are being adopted to support its continued growth, what steps will be taken during 2020 to (a) significantly increase the provision of secure cycle parking, especially in central London and town centres, and (b) tackle cycle thefts.

The Mayor: I am committed to supporting Londoners to be able to park their cycles securely. There are over 145,000 cycle parking spaces on London’s streets and Transport for London (TfL) allocated £3.5m to London boroughs in 2019/20 to install nearly 8,000 additional spaces in town centres, schools, stations and residential areas.
To respond to the recent growth in demand, TfL is installing over 700 new spaces on the Transport for London Road Network, the majority of these in central and inner London. A further 200 cycle parking spaces will be provided in car parks at nine Tube stations. All of these spaces are expected to be installed during summer 2020 and TfL will continue to identify potential sites for further installations.
In addition to new spaces on the TfL network, some boroughs are including cycle parking within their Streetspace for London proposals and TfL has published guidance to support them to do this.
TfL is also working with boroughs, the Metropolitan Police and British Transport Police on messaging to communicate cycle security information to the public, including in cycle parking locations and via relevant partners during summer 2020.
Finally, as part of the reopening of non-essential retail stores, TfL has encouraged large retailers to install more cycle parking stands. For example, an additional 300 cycle stands will be installed at each of the Westfield shopping centres at White City and Stratford.

CS9 on King Street

Tony Devenish: At the point where King Street meets The Goldhawk Road on the right, there is currently a lane for turning right and – due to the end of the bus lane – a lane for traffic to continue straight on down Chiswick High Road. Despite this, there are very often long queues down King Street at peak times. If CS9 goes ahead there will be a single lane for cars turning right and continuing straight on. Do you recognise that this will inevitably cause very long tailbacks back down King St, producing massive inconvenience and increased pollution in a busy pedestrian area?

The Mayor: The proposed lane configuration for the new Cycleway on King Street is to have two lanes: one for ahead and left turning vehicles, and one for ahead and right turning vehicles. This means there will be two lanes that vehicles travelling straight ahead are able to use. In the event that one vehicle is waiting to turn right, vehicles travelling straight ahead will be able to do so in the left turn/straight ahead lane.

Face coverings on public transport

Caroline Pidgeon: Following the announcement on the 15 June 2020 that the wearing of face coverings on public transport throughout England will be mandatory, please state what steps TfL will be taking to use all its extensive communication channels to promote the appropriate wearing of face coverings, including information on steps that should be taken in putting on and removing face coverings.

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) is running a comprehensive communications programme to promote the mandatory wearing of face coverings on its network. This includes using its social media channels, signage, references in radio commercials, external posters and whiteboard posters in stations, customer emails to TfL’s entire customer database and updates on its website. TfL’s website includes a link to the Government’s website on how to make a cloth face covering and how to dispose of these sensibly. Leaflets on how to make coverings have also been distributed at stations.
TfL is distributing face masks for three weeks, starting 8 June, at some of the busiest stations for those who haven’t yet sourced masks. They will also be distributing leaflets on how to make face coverings. TfL has also briefed passenger groups and other key stakeholders of the changes.

Impact of Covid-19 on BAME Londoners

Navin Shah: We know that Covid-19 has a disproportionate impact on BAME people. I know you, and other leaders across London have called for an independent inquiry into this, which I fully support. Do you agree that now more than ever, we need a new approach to public health and decent houses for all Londoners, to help tackle this inequality?

The Mayor: In addition to my call for an independent inquiry, I am leading a programme of work on the disproportionate impacts of Covid-19 in London. This includes commissioning a rapid evidence review and engaging with London’s BAME stakeholders and communities to further explore and address these impacts.
My Health Inequalities Strategy offers us a valuable framework on which to tackle London’s inequalities moving forwards. My health team are reviewing the work programme in light of Covid-19 and continue to prioritise health inequalities in this context.
Public health and housing are key partners in our efforts to reduce health inequalities. Real time spending on public health has fallen in London by 21 per cent since 2013/14. This must be reversed. I am working hard to tackle the housing issues we know disproportionately affect BAME Londoners including enforcing standards in private rented homes, delivering affordable homes and advocating for government action.

Trimming of grass verges

Caroline Russell: Due to reduced staff numbers some local authorities have left grass verges untrimmed, except for where vegetation is impeding sight lines. Will you encourage all London boroughs to continue, or introduce, this practice given the environmental gains, such as a reduced carbon footprint and an increased habitat for native flora and fauna?

The Mayor: Yes; I would expect all local authorities to permanently change mowing regimes on road verges where relaxation of mowing results in benefits for biodiversity, provided it does not compromise safety and there is support from the local community. More wildlife-friendly management of all green spaces adds natural sound and colour that provides health and well-being benefits for many Londoners. I shall be publishing guidance later this year highlighting ways in which all green spaces can be enhanced for biodiversity.

Open green spaces in London during coronavirus

Caroline Russell: The recent relaxation of lockdown rules by the government has meant more Londoners are using our many wonderful green and open spaces. However, we are now seeing huge volumes of rubbish left in our parks. What will you do to encourage Londoners to leave no trace?

The Mayor: The day to day management of most of London’s parks and green space lies with the boroughs, the City of London corporation and organisations such as the Royal Parks.
Many of these spaces have experienced unprecedented levels of visitors over recent weeks, and these organisations have been working exceptionally hard to keep these vitally important spaces open for the health and wellbeing of Londoners.
Through my social media channels, I am working with the boroughs to amplify the message than park users must take responsibility for their rubbish and take it home when they leave. Through the London Waste and Recycling Board (LWARB) London Recycles programme, I have also created London-wide communications on various aspects of waste management during the lockdown, including a reminder not to fly tip or litter.
Many park managers have revised their waste management arrangements to cope with increased levels of waste and that community-led clean-ups are taking place in local parks. I’d like to thank those volunteers for their efforts to help keep these important spaces clean.
This issue is covered in the guidance I’ve produced with London Councils and other park management organisations on using parks and green spaces and is available on the GLA website: https://www.london.gov.uk/coronavirus/social-distancing-guidance/london-parks-and-green-spaces-covid-19-guidance

Air pollution and the spread of coronavirus

Caroline Russell: Emerging scientific evidence from the University of Bologna and University of Toronto demonstrates there could be a relationship between particulate air pollution and the spread of viruses, such as coronavirus. Will Transport for London (TfL) undertake research to understand the impacts of air pollution on virus spread, both above ground and within the underground system?

The Mayor: Further research is needed on the relationship between air pollution and coronavirus.
There is emerging evidence of links between long-term exposure to air pollution and an increased risk of death from COVID-19. In their recent call for evidence the UK Government’s Air Quality Expert Group (AQEG) also included a question on the possible role of air pollution in viral transmission. AQEG is now compiling the responses from the UK’s leading experts in air pollution and airborne infection, an overview report will be published shortly. I will follow the outcome of the AQEG review with interest and continue to be led by the best available science.
You can read the City Hall response to the AQEG call for evidence here: https://www.london.gov.uk/WHAT-WE-DO/environment/environment-publications/estimation-changes-air-pollution-during-covid-19-outbreak-0

Monitoring at Bus Stop LA (Mare St/ Wells Park)

Jennette Arnold: Constituents have raised concerns about bus overcrowding and inability to board at bus stop Q (Mare St/Victoria Park). When will monitoring at this busy stop begin?

The Mayor: Because of social distancing and lower than usual availability of drivers, capacity on London’s buses has been restricted in recent months. People are advised to walk or cycle if possible and to allow extra time for their journey when using public transport as they may not be able to board the bus at busy times, following the introduction of maximum passenger caps.
Transport for London continues to monitor bus passenger numbers at busy locations and will carry out a count at Stop Q by the end of June. Any information from your constituents on the days and/or times of day when overcrowding is prevalent would be helpful.

Impact of Covid-19 on Mental Health

Navin Shah: The Covid-19 crisis is having a severe impact on the mental health of many people. As it stands, it is very difficult for people to access mental health care, with incredibly long waiting lists and short courses of treatment with little follow up. In addition, as we go through this unprecedented crisis, some people are experiencing severe trauma, for which the standard therapies which are offered (for example Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) can be inappropriate treatment. What can be done in London to support those experiencing mental health problems as a result of this pandemic, including frontline workers, considering we are already going through a mental health crisis?

The Mayor: These arekey issuesfor London and there areconcernsabout thelong-term mental health impact of the crisis, thedisproportionate impact onsome groups, the impact on health inequalities andtheimplications for children and young people. Voluntary and community sectororganisationsare under significant pressure, andsome peoplein crisishave beenunable to get the support they need.
As part of the public health response, careful interpretation of responses is required. Pathologising the natural process of how people are adapting and coping with change is a risk and could perpetuate mental health stigma. This is not to suggest people do not need help and support, but the impact will be most felt by those lower down the social ladder and those with existing mental health problems.
In April I chaired a meeting of mental health leaders to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on Londoners’ mental health. A group is now developing and progressing a mental health action plan.

COVID-19 Response and Government Funding (2)

Jennette Arnold: Has further funding been promised but not yet delivered to support the work of City Hall in responding to the COVID-19 outbreak?

The Mayor: The GLA has to date been awarded and received £18.55 million from the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to support its response to the COVID-19 crisis. This is its share from the £3.2 billion of grant funding provided by MHCLG to English local authorities and fire and rescue services to support COVID-19 response work.
This is nowhere near sufficient to meet the funding shortfall the GLA alone could face over the next 18 months as a result of potential reductions in business rates and council tax income alone which could total around £500 million. London boroughs are also forecasting a potential funding shortfall of around £1.3 billion by next March – with further shortfalls expected in 2021-22.
The above figure excludes the £1.1 billion of grant support and the £500 million borrowing approval from the Department for Transport for TfL to address the impact of its significant reduction in fare revenues which could exceed £3 billion by the end of the financial year. It is also possible that the London Fire Commissioner and MOPAC may also be able to access additional special grant support to fund their pressures from the Home Office but this is still to be confirmed.
On 17 June I called on the Ministers to keep their promise that there would be no new era of austerity as a result of the coronavirus - and warned that failure to act now would undermine the Government’s pledge to recruit 20,000 new police officers across the UK and efforts to transform the London Fire Brigade in the aftermath of the Grenfell Towerfire.

COVID-19 Response and Government Funding (1)

Jennette Arnold: How much additional funding has the government provided to City Hall for its response supporting Londoners during the COVID-19 outbreak?

The Mayor: The GLA has to date been awarded and received £18.55 million from the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to support its response to the COVID-19 crisis. This is its share from the £3.2 billion of grant funding provided by MHCLG to English local authorities and fire and rescue services. The majority of this funding has been applied to tackle homelessness and in particular to provide hotel accommodation for rough sleepers.
This is nowhere near sufficient to meet the funding shortfall the GLA alone could face over the next 18 months as a result of potential reductions in business rates and council tax income alone which could total around £500 million. London boroughs are also forecasting a potential funding shortfall of around £1.3 billion by next March – with further shortfalls expected in 2021-22.
The above MHCLG allocation excludes the £1.1 billion of grant support and the £500 million borrowing approval from the Department for Transport to TfL to address the impact of its significant reduction in fare revenues. It is also possible that the London Fire Commissioner and MOPAC may also be able to access additional special grant support to fund their pressures from the Home Office but this is still to be confirmed.

COVID-19 Response and Government Funding (3)

Jennette Arnold: How much has City Hall spent in supporting Londoners during the COVID-19 outbreak?

The Mayor: As at 15 June 2020, the GLA has allocated £33 million to COVID related projects to support Londoners.
The largest items were £24 million for rough sleepers, £5 million for the Voluntary Emergency support fund and £2.3 million for the Culture Support Fund.

384 Bus (1)

Susan Hall: What discussions has the Mayor had with the board of Transport for London on the route changes planned for the 384 bus?

The Mayor: My Deputy Mayor for Transport meets regularly with Transport for London (TfL) officials to discuss and be briefed on forthcoming proposals and changes to the bus network, and this was the case for this set of proposals.